Five Signs that it's time to Remodel your bathroom

An article from Kholer.com

Holes in the floor, a rusty bathtub, a toilet that just won't cooperate—these are the types of big-ticket bathroom problems that require major repairs. But what about the smaller signs that it's time to upgrade your bathroom? They might not be quite what you expect

1. The little things start to go wrong

All bathrooms are prone to everyday wear and tear, but some problems require more than a simple repair job. "When the tile grout begins to flake out of its joints, the whites in the bathroom turn yellow, or the ceiling is crumbling from moisture, it's time," says Toronto-based interior designer Tania Bortolotto. Depending on the cost of serious repairs, it may make sense to spend a little more and create a brand new bathroom.

2. You're stuck in a retro rut

While it's true that yesterday's trends often resurface, some are best left in the past. "Some people still have the avocado-and-gold color palette from the '70s," says Carol McCurdy of Galleria Bath and Kitchen Showplace in Pinellas Park, FL. "Creating a fresh look can be as simple as using a neutral color in your tub and lavatory, and accenting it with color on the wall and window treatments." If your bathroom sends you into a time warp, it's due for an update.

3. You're thinking of selling your home

Why would you remodel your bathroom if you're not planning to stay there forever? The answer is simple, says Seattle real estate broker Mike Kass: Making relatively small changes is a smart way to raise your home's value. "You can have a really upscale house, but it won't look good with cheap hardware," he says. "If the bathroom doesn't look high class, you should upgrade it. Or, if you have an older house and update an obsolete bathroom, that can add value."

4. Your family's needs shift

When your family situation changes, so does its needs. "People often remodel or add a second bathroom when they have children on the way," says Susan Templer, an interior designer in San Francisco. "They might want a bigger bathtub or need more storage for the kids' things."

But it's not just the little ones who inspire alterations to the bathroom. As older adults find their mobility changing, they may be more comfortable in rooms designed for their needs. "Older people might not want to step in and out of a tub," McCurdy says. "A lot of people replace bathtubs with walk-in showers for safety."

5. Your bathroom isn't "you"

Standard-issue faucets and fixtures may be functional, but there's nothing distinctive about them. If these details don't fit your personal aesthetic, it doesn't take much to find a look that goes with your style. "The fixtures in a bathroom are like furniture," says McCurdy. "Just as you would redesign a living room or dining room, you can create a bathroom that fits your design." Whether you prefer classic lines or sleek modern curves, a few small changes can make a big impact.

Trends in Bathroom Lighting

An article from NKBA

The current trend in bathroom lighting is toward larger, sunnier baths, and today's top bathroom designers are placing more emphasis on artificial lighting as well. A single, small lighting fixture protruding from the middle of the ceiling doesn’t suffice by today’s standards. Alternative sources of general lighting include recessed ceiling fixtures or indirect lighting that bounces off the ceiling or walls. In addition to good general lighting, adequate task lights are a must.

How the bathroom lighting is selected and placed depends on the size and layout of your bathroom. It also depends on the color scheme—bright colors reflect and enhance lighting effects; dark hues absorb and subdue them.

Lighting a Mirror

Small or large, a bathroom typically functions as a grooming center. For this reason, the area in front of the mirror should be evenly illuminated and free of shadows.

Experts' Insight for Bathroom Lighting

When planning a lighting design for your bathroom, follow these guidelines to ensure adequate general lighting.

Light sources should be placed so that light emanates from above, below, and both sides of the mirror. This technique, called cross-lighting, effectively eliminates shadows. If you have light coming only from above, it hits your eyebrows, causing shadows beneath your eyes—not an encouraging sight first thing every morning.

The first consideration should be a fixture that casts light just over the front edge of the sink and countertop. If you choose a light-colored countertop, more light will reflect up onto your face. Then add more lights centered on each side of the mirror.

If fluorescent fixtures are selected to illuminate a mirror, tubes designed for vanity illumination or tubes that produce daylight-spectrum light is ideal. The light from standard fluorescent tubes can be cold and harsh—acceptable for office or shop lighting but not for makeup application. Use one 24-inch, 20-watt tube on each side of the mirror. Two 24-inch, 20-watt tubes mounted above the mirror or a 32-watt circle light on the ceiling will offer adequate lighting to this space.

If fixtures are selected that require incandescent light bulbs, one option is to mount one wall fixture or pendant lamp on each side of the mirror. These side lights each should contain two 60-watt or 75-watt bulbs. If the ceiling fixture is round, it should be at least 12 inches in diameter and contain a bulb or bulbs rated at a total of 100 to 120 watts.

Larger mirrors that are 36 inches or more in width may require a different approach. If standard guidelines are followed, the center of the mirror may appear a bit dark. To avoid this, more powerful overhead light fixtures should be selected, and full coverage over the width of the mirror should be ensured. One effective option is a double row of recessed ceiling fixtures over the vanity.

Small powder rooms typically require one light above the mirror, a fixture on each side of the mirror, and one ceiling light directed toward the front edge of the vanity countertop.

Bath and Shower Lights

In an enclosed shower or tub area, most codes call for enclosed, vapor-proof lights. Use caution when positioning them, however; you don't want to look right into the light when you're lying in the tub. An infrared heat lamp mounted just outside the tub or shower will help avoid chilly exits. All switches should be located at least 6 feet from the tub and shower.

Stall Lights

In toilet compartments, a centered ceiling fixture using a 60 to 75 watt incandescent bulb or a 30 to 40 watt fluorescent tube should be installed.

The Right Light

Most experts recommend using incandescent bulbs in the bathroom, because the light that’s produced has natural, complexion-flattering properties. But incandescent bulbs also produce a good deal of heat that's often unwanted. Compact fluorescent fixtures are a good alternative. They demand far less electricity per lumen (a measurement of light intensity), and the tubes render a warm, pleasing spectrum of colors.

Consider having a dimmer switch installed for your bathroom's overall lighting. Fluorescent lighting doesn’t typically function on a dimmer switch. This will allow you to adjust the light to suit your needs and moods. Dimmers also make night-time visits to the bathroom more bearable, since the light can be turned down below the blinding level. Be sure to install a switch by each doorway so no one will have to cross the bathroom in the dark.

American Standard Bath Products

I recently discovered that American Standard toilet was rated top by Consumer Report magazine. So, I decided to check out their website to see what other products are available. I was surprised to see many attractive bath products. Here are some of my favorites.


Green Tea Faucet – I like the curved handle design. It also has a Discrete pull-out spray spout that facilitates sink rinsing or hair washing. I love the name “Green Tea”

Cambridge Vessel Stand – Dark wood combined with frosted glass door really gives slick modern look.
Dorian Glass Vessel – This is a glass above counter vessel. Available in Tempered clear or frosted glass.

Studio Above Counter Rectangular Sink – I loved the clean line. It works great with furniture style vanity.

Rooms By Color Are Not Paint By Number

An article by Belle Watson from Artipot

Decorating your living room is not always easy but it can be if you start with the right colors. Everyone chooses their safe colors, colors that feel and look good to them. A complementary color is what most living rooms are created by. What if you stepped out of the safe zone and started adding a little color to your own color palette. Then you will see a different look and feel to your room in an instant.

White has always been a base color for everything but it's not always the best choice for everyone. White doesn't usually express your actual personality it usually just means that you are playing it safe with colors. Colors express your personality. For example, you might like bright colors like reds and yellows. Or you may prefer colors that are more earth toned.

The color you have chosen for your living room is the first color that people notice when they come to visit. You want to create an inviting living room and you also want it to be relaxing.

One great way to make your floor look fantastic is by using an area rug. Even in carpeted living rooms, area rugs look fantastic. Area rugs add depth to design. This look can apply to any type of flooring. Spread out an area rug and watch your room change around you. In addition to the aesthetic value this accessory adds, area rugs have protective properties as well. Area rugs help to prevent dust particles from floating freely in the air. They also protect your flooring and provide cushion to your feet.

Next time you want to change up your room, consider how color can make all the difference. Most people in their own houses want to feel at home and relaxed. So they choose warm colors that accomplish this. Everyone responds to colors differently, so choose the colors that are best for you. Some may feel red and yellow are warm colors, while some may think the combination of dark brown and off-white is more calming. To make the room more personal, select your favorite colors and incorporate them into the paint and area rugs to tell your visitors that the room is yours. Following these tips will ensure a nice, personal room. Do not hesitate to add your own ideas when designing a color based room. Remember that this room must be personal as well as colorful in order for you to enjoy it. Have fun, be creative, and use the colors and accessories you love.

Window Treatment Project

Here are a few photo shots from my recent window treatment projects. It's always a challenge taking pictures when the sun is right at your eyes. Hope you can see them.














Before - White cotton fabric was very heavy and obstructs the window when open.














After - Panels that open on both sides are more functional and do not cover the window.
Red stripe with brown trim Grommet panels provide more updated look.

Before

After - Updated valance with coordinating fabric.

Before : no winodow coverings

After: Silk roman shades add elegances to the room.

Alameda County Fair

Alameda County Fair is a good place to take the kids for fun in hot summer days. Every year I see many art works done by the kids. Here are some photos of art works that I took.

Pink, Pink & Pink !

I walked into Hello Kitty store while I was visiting Monterey. Everything in the store was PINK! A store that sells PINK stuff? I loved Hello Kitty when I was a kid and my daughter likes it too. I guess Hello Kitty is "The store for the Girls."